What you need for a percussion workshop

A percussion workshop needs more than instruments. You’ll need enough seating and table space for each group, reliable sound equipment, power access, registration supplies and drinks for breaks. Check your instrument stock before shopping, then match the number of djembes, cajons and smaller instruments to the final participant list. Catering supplies are easy to overlook, especially serving utensils, cups and coolers. Use this list to prepare the room and avoid a last-minute equipment run.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Chairsqty 36
Tablesqty 6
Buffet tablesqty 2
Coat racksqty 2

Equipment

Djembesqty 18
Cajonsqty 12
Shakersqty 30
Tambourinesqty 6
Clavesqty 15
Cowbellsqty 6
Frame drumsqty 6
Agogobellsqty 4
Music standsqty 2
Portable speaker
Microphone
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Instrument matsqty 30

Tableware

Water glassesqty 40
Coffee cupsqty 30
Platesqty 40
Cutlery setsqty 40
Serving spoonsqty 8
Serving traysqty 6
Small bowlsqty 8

Kitchen

Kettlesqty 2
Coffee maker
Coolersqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 2

Workshop materials

Flip chart
Flip chart sheetsqty 20
Markersqty 12
Name badge holdersqty 36
Earplugsqty 36

Lighting

Atmosphere lightsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 6 bottles
- Spa Rood - 3 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Orange juice - 3 cartons
- Ice cubes - 5 kilos
- Mini sandwiches - 36 pieces
- Vegetarian sandwiches - 8 pieces
- Vegan sandwiches - 4 pieces
- Gluten-free rolls - 4 pieces
- Wraps - 36 pieces
- Hummus - 1 kilo
- Cream cheese - 750 grams
- Young cheese - 1 kilo
- Ham - 750 grams
- Smoked chicken - 750 grams
- Arugula - 500 grams
- Cucumbers - 4 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Bell peppers - 6 pieces
- Mixed salad - 2 kilos
- Pasta salad - 2 kilos
- Potato salad - 2 kilos
- Vegetarian Quiche - 3 pieces
- Vegan salad - 1.5 kilos
- Grapes - 2 kilos
- Apples - 3 kilos
- Bananas - 2 kilos
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Mixed nuts - 1 kilo
- Cookies - 4 packs
- Brownies - 36 pieces
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Hand sanitizer - 3 bottles

Tips

Count instruments against the final participant list before buying or borrowing anything. Plan one main instrument per participant where possible, then add shakers, claves or tambourines for group exercises.
Test the portable speaker, microphone, extension cords and power strips before workshop day. Bring enough power access for the sound setup without running cables across walking routes.
Provide one water glass per participant and enough coffee cups for at least two servings per person. Fill the coolers before registration starts so the first break does not become a serving delay.
Do not leave catering equipment until the day itself. Check that you have serving spoons, trays, small bowls, plates and cutlery sets before the food arrives.
Lay out instrument mats and group instruments before participants enter. This gives you a clear setup window and makes it easier to spot missing djembes, cajons or stands before the workshop begins.

Frequently asked questions

How many instruments do I need for a percussion workshop?: Start with one main instrument per participant, based on the final registration list. Add a small selection of shakers, tambourines, claves, cowbells and bells for rotations or group parts, rather than buying one of every type for everyone.
What sound equipment is needed for a percussion workshop?: For a spoken workshop with music playback, prepare one portable speaker and one microphone, plus extension cords and power strips. Test every connection at least 1 hour before participants arrive.
How many cups and glasses should I buy for the workshop?: Allow one water glass per participant and at least two coffee cups per person if coffee and tea are served throughout the session. Add a small buffer so replacements are available during breaks.
When should I set up the instruments for a percussion workshop?: Set out the instruments before registration begins, with at least 30 minutes for room layout and sound checks. Group the instruments by activity so the workshop leader can start without rearranging the room.

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